"I've heard I shouldn't even audition because I'm a freshman and I won't get a part. Is this true?"

Absolutely not! If you are interested in playing a part in a show, you should audition. Sometimes even freshmen receive lead or featured roles. The directors look at the audition first and foremost, then a variety of other factors can influence the director's decisions. There is no way to predict who will receive any given part because of the multitude of variables that exist during the audition process. The only time that grade comes into play is when there is an absolute tie for a specific role. The tie will always go to the upperclassman.

"I've been in many shows and I'm a senior. I'm going to get a great part, right?"

Not necessarily. Remember that the directors focus on every student's audition as the preliminary factor in making casting decisions. A poorly prepared or mediocre audition may remove you from the featured role casting discussions. Just because you have had a lead and have done well on stage before, does not guarantee you the next lead in the next show. These factors may enter into the casting decisions later, but the audition is of the utmost importance. No one should ever come into an audition thinking "I'm a senior, I'm guaranteed to make it." There have been cases where seniors have been cut from a show or received roles that were not to their liking becuase they blew off their audition and did not perform well in it. The only time that grade comes into play is when there is an absolute tie for a specific role. The tie will always go to the upperclassman.

"I looked at the production schedule and noticed that I have lots of conflicts. Should I still audition?"

Maybe. You have to look at all of the factors involved and decide what is going to be important to you. Remember that it isn't fair to anyone for you to accept a committment and then not live up to your directors, cast and crew members expectations. If you are not willing to make any sacrifice to attend rehearsals, then the directors aren't likely to keep you in your role, or cast you at all. However, you may be exactly what the directors are looking for. Regardless, make sure you are upfront with your intentions at the audition. The directors don't like surprises once rehearsals have begun.

"I was scheduled to audition for a show but I was sick and couldn't make it. Auditions are over. Can I still audition?" Or, "I'll be out of town on the audition days. Can I audition at another time?"

Usually no. If you cannot make it to the audition times, unfortunately you probably will not be able to audition. And remember that you must be in school for 1/2 of the day to be eligible to participate in extra-curricular activities. But it's always a good idea to contact the director to see if there are any other options.

"I didn't make the show. Why?" Or, "I didn't get the part I wanted. Why?"

It could be for any number of reasons. Perhaps your audition wasn't perfect and in an audition where there is fierce competition, that's usually enough of a reason. However, there are cases when students who are perfectly capable of playing a role are cut. Why? Perhaps you didn't look right for a role. Perhaps you appeared unprepared or irresponsible. Perhaps you have not lived up to your potential in a previous role. Perhaps you were so good that you were the only person strong enough to play the role you were awarded. The directors are human and it's possible that casting would have turned out differently if it were discussed on a different day. That's just the nature of the audition process.

"Aren't I guaranteed a lead this year because I was a lead last year?"

No. In fact, it is actually more difficult for you to win a lead role when you have already performed as one. Because we are an educational theatre program, the directors do their best to award featured and lead roles to as many different students as possible. However, the quality if the show will never be compromised just to give someone a shot at a larger role than they've previously played. Again, the directors look at the audition first and foremost... other factors come into the discussion in the later stages of casting decisions.

Please check your production schedule as the directors make every effort to notify you when you should be available. Also, check if any weekly or monthly schedules have been posted as these are often more specifc than the general schedule. Finally, check in with your stage manager or crew heads. These individuals should know when you are needed as well.

"I was scheduled to have rehearsal today but school was cancelled due to inclement weather or another reason. Will I have rehearsal?"

Simply, no. When school is not in session, normally there will not be rehearsal. There may be rare circumstances however, that would contradict this policy. These rare circumstances would be scheduled in advance.

"I'm supposed to have rehearsal today, but I was home sick today. Can I come to rehearsal?"

No. You must be in school for at least 1/2 of the school day to participate in extra-curricular activities.

"My director keeps telling me to practice professional theatre etiquette. What are some etiquette rules for working in the theatre?"

While there are a multitude of theatre etiquette lists online, it is easier to act in a manner that causes your cast and crewmates to trust you: be ready to begin rehearsals on time, say please and thank you, don't gossip about your cast and crewmates, exceed your director's expectations, etc. There is no way for the show to be its highest quality possible if we are constantly working against each other.

"I have a performance scheduled tonight, but I stayed home from school. Can I still perform?"

No. You must be in school for at least 1/2 of the school day to participate in extra-curricular activities.

"I have a performance this weekend, but was absent from school on Friday. Do I have to miss the whole weekend of performances?"

No. However, you would have to miss Friday night's performance. You will be eligible to participate in the Saturday and Sunday performances.

"What time do I have to be there before a performance?"

The standard call time for Northview Theatre is 2 hours prior to curtain. However, specific instructions will be given to you at the final rehearsals before opening night. Ultimately, you should be in costume/makeup or your technical area should be ready to go when the house opens 1/2 hour prior to curtain.

"My parents want to video tape a performance of our show. Can they?"

Usually not. Contract provisions often prohibit any recording of the performance without securing (and paying for) the appropriate license. Video licenses are not usually part of our contract package. When video licenses are available, we are likely to contract with a local videographer to professionally record the performance for archival purposes.